Customer Reviews

Haunt of Jackals (Jerusalem's Undead Trilogy)

5 star:		(30)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

When I finished Field of Blood last year, I took a couple of weeks off from reading. It was a book to savor, not one to read and quickly move on to the next one. It was my favorite novel from 2008 and deserved the praise it received.

Since finishing Field of Blood, I've looked forward to the next part of Gina's story. When we last left her, she was bleeding profusely and separated from her allies. Though able to eliminate Ariston, she was still pursed. Escaping was first on her agenda and finding her friends was second. Haunt of Jackals picked up where Field of Blood ended. Hunted by the collector, Shalom, Gina begins her trek to Bukarest. Unsure who to trust, she turns to her childhood friend Teo. Meanwhile, Cal and Dov are pursued by another collector, Erota. Risking their lives, they decide to turn the tables on Erota and try to banish her to the dessert. With fast paced action, deep suspense, and mystery, the next part of Gina's story unfolds.

A review for Haunt of Jackals is pretty tough. It's not a simple book by any means. If it was just a vampire story, it'd be easy to talk about. If it was a typical supernatural suspense, there might not be a lot to say. However, Haunt of Jackals is anything but typical and it's certainly a far cry from simple. It's deep, complex, thought provoking, and difficult to capture in a short review. I'll in no way be able to do this book the justice it deserves, but here's my best attempt.

It's always fun to read an author when it seems like the words and ideas are just pouring onto the page. There are parts of Haunt of Jackals that are some of the best I've read. Words that grab and leave an impact. Thoughts shared that keep you wanting more. I have loved Wilson's prior books, but the first 180 pages of Haunt of Jackals are the best he's ever written. They're not only riveting on a purely entertaining level, they're full of meaning and symbolism. The whole book is excellent, but those pages are masterful.

The characters thus far have been superb, but Wilson did an exceptional job of molding Gina into a more likable, loving individual. No longer is she the abrasive, sarcastic, self-pitying, somewhat selfish child. After her battle at the cave, she's a humble, seeking young woman, aware of her thorns and attempting to counter them. There are some awesome scenes involving Gina and her struggles to cope with her past as well as some spectacular dialogue between her and Cal. Anyone who's fought psychological battles, inner turmoil and grief can easily identify with her journey. Wilson did a particularly good job of working Gina's feelings toward Jed into the story. At the end of Field of Blood, she seemed so consumed by her own grief, her love for Jed seemed to be lost. It was nice to see the tenderness in her towards him.

Cal was probably my favorite character in Field of Blood. The overall mystery surrounding him really pulled me to his character. He was obviously hurt/hurting, but the reasons were not clear. Haunt of Jackals filled in a lot of his past, however, I didn't care for his character as much. He seemed to lack the energy and attitude of the first book. He's still a great character, but he didn't seem to fit into his expanded role easily.

It's been awhile since Field of Blood, so if struggling to remember exactly who all the collectors are and where they stand, page 67 gives the list and their present status. While the information isn't needed earlier in the story, it was a nice addition. Given the number of characters, it can be hard remembering who all is left and what they are doing.

Wilson once again includes some great historical background. Not having much knowledge of vampire lore, I thoroughly enjoyed the information regarding Vlad Tepes/ Dracula. It helped liven the story for someone who knew little about the area or the legends. The additional background for Rasputin was helpful and answered some questions left open in a previous book. As with Field of Blood, Wilson makes great use of Jewish myths and true Biblical accounts. An absolutely superb job of weaving them in and making them part of the overall story.

Several commented on Field of Blood having a slow start. That is definitely not a problem with Haunt of Jackals. From page 1 to page 180, there is no slowing down. The action switches between Cal and Dov, Gina, and collectors. It moves fast and the changing of location and stories works great. There were times when I was disappointed to leave a character, just to realize I was moving to another part of the story I wanted to read as well. The suspense is divine in the opening chapters. It does lull for a few chapters here and there, but never for too long.

Around page 90, I was amazed (not surprised) at all the Christian symbolism and ideas Wilson had neatly tucked into Haunt of Jackals. At least 40 unique Christian ideas or biblical accounts, were subtly mentioned and worked flawlessly into the story. I've read close to 200 Christian fiction novels in the last five years, no other author does as good a job infusing a book with Christian ideas, without preaching, and without repetition. Wilson knows his Bible and has a deep grasp of Christian life, which enriches his novels and contrasts the light of Christ with the darkness of sin. Not once did I feel lectured to and not once did I feel as though he was annoyingly overt in his Christian themes--both features which irritate me about many Christian novels. However, given that some actually questioned the spiritual nature of Field of Blood, here's an idea of what's in Haunt of Jackals. Page numbers available upon request.
--Strength in numbers
--Free will/our choice to choose Him and our daily decisions
--The fallacy of purity before salvation
--Dying daily to self
--Proverbs 6:16 What Wilson creates with this passage is a masterpiece.
--Jesus' death and resurrection
--Christians are living temples
--Jesus is the only way.
--The Bronze serpent in the dessert and connecting it Jesus
--Bitterness and thorns
--Fall of man
--Others before self
--All have sinned and the wages of sin
--Jesus is the Messiah
--God's love for us
--Our sin nature
--The true church

That's some of the highlights. There are more than these and they blend into the story with breath taking results.

While Field of Blood and Haunt of Jackals are the first two books in the Jerusalem Undead series, they also tie into Wilson's earlier books, in particularly Expiration Date. If you haven't read Expiration Date, it's not a problem, since it fills in events not specifically mentioned.

At some point I have to wrap this up. There's much more to say, but then again this isn't an easy book to write a short review for. Couple of more thoughts. I missed Niki in this book. She was there, but I keep hoping for her and Gina to really patch things up. She's an intriguing character and my heart breaks for her. Lastly, Wilson did a wonderful job of working Gina and Jed through their grief. It's handled in a beautiful and tactful manner with just the right emotions at just the right time. No trite words of encouragement--simply open wounds healed the only way they can be.

Haunt of Jackals is loaded with some awesome dialog. Here's a sample of what's in store, taken from a conversation between Cal and Gina.

Cal--"When you're young you imagine giving your life for a cause, or maybe throwing yourself into the path of a bullet to save the one you love...We need those kinds of people. The real heroes...are those willing to die over the long haul--twenty years, fifty, a hundred. When it comes down to it...it's a lot harder to give your life not just one time, but every single day....and that's what it means to have the Nazarene Blood flowing through your veins. It means letting go of your own selfish desires and giving into the desires of your Maker. It's self-sacrifice. Day by day by day."

Haunt of Jackals propels the reader into the world of good and evil. Peopled with flawed heroes with weakness that choke them like thorny vines, this book delineates perfectly the spiritual warfare we all face. Wilson gives no easy answers to his characters' problems. They struggle in their humanity to overcome their own failings as well as the failings of the world.

This is no cliched book about vampires. The mythical world Wilson created wraps around your mind and draws you in. The reader can't help but identify with the heros. As a matter of fact, after reading this book, I had two nightmares about vampires and my desire to be "One Who Resists."

You'll follow Gina and Cal and watch them grow--increase in their dynamic characterization. You'll watch evil work on self-destruction and find no glory in the dark side.

The book makes you think while it entertains. You won't regret purchasing it.

Last year's book one, Field of Blood of the Jerusalem Undead Series, was ground-breaking and a defining move in author Eric Wilson's career. Now, with Haunt of Jackals, Wilson tightens his craft and returns us to a world that lives on the edge.

Jackals drops us off immediately after where Blood left and the pace doesn't lighten up. Gina's on the run while Cal and Dov run into trouble with Erota and other collectors. The story carries on revealing secrets, but also mixing in new mysteries and histories to keep us on the edge of our seat. More so, Gina, Cal, and Dov's characters become so rich and vibrant revealing the growth they have seen and the trials they have overcome.

This second installment has greatly increased Wilson's style and enormous gift for storytelling. The vocabulary and language are on a level that most writers dream about. This is not mention Wilson's robust historic descriptions of foreign places and world travel.Haunt of Jackals fixes most of Field of Blood's problems, but looking back I don't see them as problems any longer. The series thus far has grown into its own and I believe that is what Wilson had longed to do since the beginning. Here he has upped the action, suspense, and drama. The relationships between characters, especially Gina and Jed, having been worked with such care and love; you can understand how beloved these creations have become with the author.

I have a great love for continuing stories and in my opinion the second ones have always been the most entertaining. For example look at Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, The Matrix, Jason Bourne Series, etc. Yes, the first is most memorable, but the sequel leaves the characters on a cliffhanger, readying fans for the next part in their story.

Lastly, Wilson incorporates storylines and events from his first published work Dark to Mortal Eyes. Although I have not read that book (neither does a new reader need in order to enjoy this series) I feel attracted to it more so now having learned its secret involvement. Fans of The Jerusalem Undead Trilogy will suck up this second book and eagerly await Wilson's next Valley of Bones...pun intended.

These days, even originality's becoming a cliche. From vampires falling in love and fighting temptation with a mortal to new types of vampire culture. But never have I come across a book that does an entire revision on the origin of vampires, which was the book preceding this one, Field of Blood. This book does more, and not just with vampires, but Holy people as well, and, as strange and double taking as this will sound, it's main source is from the bible itself as well as actual events. But what is all that without some type of humor as well? Not just normal on the spur humor, but referrential humor, the type of humor that refers to something else in an author's other book? The main thing I loved about this book is its symbolism and emotional value, which kept me in grips throughout. I love finding out very unique things in cultures completely foreign to my mind, and this book hits a home run for me, especially when you see things of a character's familiarity through their eyes and you have to adjust your paradigm, that, to me, is worth reading it more than once.

Gina Lazarescu is running for her life from the evil Collectors who have caused her so much pain. These undead minions have wreaked havoc on the weak by feasting on their blood and stirring dissension among the human race. She needs to find the mysterious Cal Nichols, who holds the answers to who she truly is and what is happening around her. As she fights for her life in the Romanian mountains, Gina can't stop thinking about what Cal has already told her. The answer dies within.

Last year Eric Wilson unveiled his much anticipated Jerusalem's Undead trilogy with the captivating first installment, Field of Blood. We were introduced to the evil spirits called Collectors that inhabit bodies that were buried beneath the very spot where Judas Iscariot took his life. When the spirits inhabited those bodies stained with the blood of Judas, the undead rose from the grave with an insatiable appetite for human blood. They long to rid the world of Those Who Resist and the thirty-six Nistarim who serve the Nazarene.

Haunt of Jackals picks up where Field of Blood left off and Wilson gives us no time to catch our breath. The intense action sequences meld perfectly with the mystery and intrigue surrounding Gina and Cal. Their relationship especially is what carries this story as we are drawn into their epic battle against evil. Eric Wilson pulls out all of the stops with great plot twists and some exciting reveals that will only heighten the anticipation for the series finale, Valley of Bones.

Haunt of Jackals brings us some of the best writing in Eric Wilson's short, yet illustrious career. Strong character development, methodical pacing, and spectacular imagery all combine to ensure you won't be going anywhere once you begin. Even the undead themselves are taken to a whole new level of darkness and depravity that only serves to amplify the terror in this stirring account of good vs. evil.

This series is being marketed as a vampire series, but that doesn't begin to describe the depth and originality of what Wilson brings to the table. Once again we are treated to some great historical tie-ins, including the infamous disappearance of hijacker D.B. Cooper in 1971. Wilson does a wondrous job of bridging connections to some of his earlier novels while never leaving new readers wandering around in the dark.

Haunt of Jackals raises the bar on every level in this top notch series that deserves much more recognition that it has seen. Nowhere will you find a better blend of supernatural suspense, historical fiction, and vampire lore. If you give these stories a chance you too might come to realize that the answer truly dies within.

With his second release in the Jerusalem Undead Trilogy, Eric Wilson has superceded any other novel he's penned to date. His blend of historical fact with suspenseful speculation is brewed to perfection, and readers will be spellbound page by page.

I love Eric's writing because he is a multi-talented author, writing in many genres, but speculative suspense is definitely his specialty. Do NOT be mislead...this is not an attempt to 'cash in' on the current vampire fascination! Instead, Eric has caught the tailwind of intrigue and wonder found in Scripture and bottled it into an explosive trilogy that is certain to have an ending to BLOW YOUR MIND!

Gina Lazarescue is a character forever embedded on your soul, and the story lingers long after the final page is turned...a mark of a truly outstanding novel, in my humble opinion.

Generally, the second novel in a trilogy tends to be the weakest, due to the 'bridge' nature of the story arc...but not in this case! I was blown away by the depth and level of twists and turns (this is HARD to review without giving anything away, but I'm trying!), and I can't WAIT to see what Eric closes with.

Go out and pick up the first novel, "Field of Blood" so you won't be lost in the storyline. Then grab up "Haunt of Jackals" to continue on with Gina, young Pavel and the host of characters Eric Wilson has breathed life into.

Be watching for the conclusion, "Valley of Bones", releasing April 2010. And know one thing: Eric Wilson is an author of the highest integrity. While speculating and writing fiction based on historical and Biblical fact, he does NOT take free license to alter or change the truth of Scripture....but he DOES have boatload of fun playing "what if" with us, his readers!!

Add some Stephen King, a measure of C.S. Lewis, a titch of Bram Stoker, and a dash of Anne Rice. Mix well and bake for a few months. The result is a very creative and unique story from master chef, Eric Wilson. Just as separate ingredients come together to create a unique casserole (my wife accuses me of turning any food combinations into a casserole), Wilson takes familiar ingredients, for example, vampires, undead creatures, the battle for eternal souls, and creates a main course that's too good to be called just a casserole.

Haunt of Jackals is the second book in Wilson's Jerusalem's Undead series. Once again we're treated with following the wonderful character, Gina Lazarescu. Though the first novel in the series has a quick pace, this story has even more action. Now that Wilson provided the background for all of the story elements in the first book, he could concentrate more on the storyline with Haunt of Jackals.

Wilson weaves several plot threads together in creating a complex story, but keeps the reader on track through brief moments of character introspection. I'm amazed at the creativity in this series, with its strong characters and their specific histories and agendas. There are also some great plot twists that lead to some rather surprising discoveries by the characters. This is easily one of the most interesting series I've read.

Wilson continued with all of the elements from the first novel that I enjoyed and even increased the tension in book two. I loved the ending of this second installment and it leaves me wondering how he can top that in book three. I'm quite anxious to find out.

"Haunt of Jackals" is Eric's second book in his Jerusalem's Undead Trilogy. The first time I heard of this series I was told that it was going to be a "Christian vampire series." "Haunt of Jackals" definitely proves this wrong and continues the trilogy, as well as Eric's Senses series, in an amazing, mind-blowing way.

I say that this supposed "vampire series" is beyond any ordinary vampire fiction, because it's no "Twilight," for one thing (and for that I am eternally grateful), and in Haunt of Jackals, the vampires become so evolved beyond the usual vampire stereotype and are even more vile, disgusting, and evil than any Dracula, or Edward Cullen for that matter. You even get another figure from mythical lore that was quite a treat to read. (Hint: Starts with a were and ends with a wolf.)

These aren't vampires we're dealing with here. These are Jerusalem's Undead.

Another thing is that you may mistake this book as "Christian fiction," when in reality, it's nowhere near that label. Even though you may have found it in the Religous/Christian section, hidden among the Jenkins novels and other preachy, distasteful books, it's something anybody from any walk can enjoy. Yet it is a strong tale of the light versus the darkness, of hate attempting to destroy love, of thorns and sins, of faith and hope, and, of course, of the Nazarene's Blood.

It's about the Nistarim--thirty-six individuals who bear the weight of the world--and the Akeldama Collectors who will do anything to bring them down and usher forth Final Vengeance. The writing is superb. The characters are dynamic and realistic. And the action is so epic that it would put to shame some of Hollywood's big-budgeted, explosion-filled blockbusters.

Also, if you've read Eric's earlier novels, you will be pleased to know there are plenty of connections in "Haunt of Jackals," and some mysteries are starting to slowly become clearer. Actually, some things are revealed that will make you want to go back to Eric's novel "Expiration Date" and read it with a fresh, different perspective on some things.

All in all, "Haunt of Jackals" deserves far more than five simple stars. So, give it a chance. Enter the vivid, beautiful world Eric has created, and follow Gina, Cal, and Dov on their latest adventure.

The Nazarene Blood prevails!

I've followed Eric's works for only a short while so far, but with each new addition, I'm more and more enthralled. His works are all tied together in a wonderfully crafted story arc, that pulls together seemingly unrelated geographical regions and historical events, that flow together very, very well! For instance, he'll cover topics like the tail-end of the Crusades, the fall of the Romanov's/the rise of the Bolsheviks, lesser known World War II Nazi experiment R and D, and events spanning the past couple of decades.

Also he covers places like the Pacific North West, some Southern States, along with Nazi Germany, Russia, Italy, and parts of the Holy Land.

Does it seem like an unusual combination? Sure. But does it work together well? Absolutely!

Dark to Mortal Eyes and Expiration Date were independent works, yet had interlacing key elements that were symboitic of one another. And now here with Field of Blood and Haunt of Jackels, all of the indepoendent elements all merge together to show just how one element relies on the next. Yet, I cannot explain how without giving out pertinent information to the series as a whole.

But ... to focus on this work specifically, I'll break it down to the pros and cons.

Pro's:

Gina's developement and character growth is by far one of the better dynamics to watch. She goes from being a character that's beat down by all of the woes the villain can throw her way, into becomming a strong and self-relyant woman. She goes from meek and fragile to empowered. Her redemptive story is one to enjoy.

Cal was a character shrouded completely in mysetery in the first book. THIS book fleshes out his character a little more, but with each new thing you learn about him, the deeper the mystery runs. It makes him worth reading about indepth.

The ties to the other books leave the reader with plenty of "AHA!" moments as pieces of the puzzle start fitting together before their eyes.

The action of the book = well what can I say. Usually when someone tries to write action in a novel, sometimes the sheer urgency of the crisis seems lost in the language. I've only known a small handfull of authors who can capture the action diligently. Eric has done so in this work! Once I finished reading a particular sequence, I actually sighed out the tension built in my stomach in relief.

Con's:

Honestly, I only have twom and they're minute in scale. The only real drawbacks to me are that I wanted to see one of my favorite character's in a previous work reappear in the hometown they revisit in this work, but he doesn't show. That and there's a specific reunion I would have liked to see a litter earlier,. and I kinda feel it was a bit brief and not as emotional as it could have been.

Overall I'm going to rate this book as a 4.5 out of 5. In reality, I'd give it a 5 out of 5, but I feel that most times, readers reading reviews may only respect 2-4 ratings. (Usually 1 out of 5 reads as "this book sux lol" and 5 out of 5 reads "omg, best work ever, period") Anyway, if you really enjoy fiction (christian or otherwise, it doesn't really matter) you're going to enjoy this story. It is definately worth reading all the way through.

Haunt of Jackals picks up where Field of Blood left off. Gina Lazarescu is on her own, fighting Collectors who want nothing more then to see her fall. Meanwhile, Cal Nichols and Dov have split from Gina, also fighting Collectors and are moving further away from Gina. Both Gina and Cal want safety for the other. Gina soon realizes her life will never be the same again. She will have to find another identity as she did once before. A fresh start away from those who want to harm her. Will she ever be safe? Will she ever be able to protect the one's she loves?

Eric Wilson writes at a thrilling pace with Haunt of Jackals. The book starts and never stops. This is the kind of book that you cannot put down, even into the early hours of morning. Like Field of Blood, characters in Haunt of Jackals travel a great deal. Eric Wilson showcases his firsthand knowledge of the places in the story.

A master storyteller, Eric Wilson weaves the threads of the tale together. Combining historical and mythological elements as well as spiritual. Even connecting with two of his previous works, Dark to Mortal Eyes and Expiration Date. (It won't hurt the story if you haven't read the two)

Haunt of Jackals is well worth the read. The second book in a trilogy that keeps getting stretching the boundaries of great thrillers. This is not a book and not a series to miss!

Stars: 5 out of 5.